Yes, the title deserves to be in all capital letters. Bue Eyed Devil is the sequel to Sugar Daddy, and is Lisa Kleypas's second contemporary release.
I read it all in one day, and stayed up til nearly 4:30 am to finish it. [That's what I get for starting picking it up at chapter 12 at nearly 2 in the morning...] The story is about Haven Marie Travis, and Hardy Cates. If you've read SD - you'll know that Hardy Cates was a potential suitor and former love interest for Liberty, in Sugar Daddy. You'll also know that Haven is a Travis - the only girl in the family that Liberty marries into.
The book opens at Liberty and Gage's wedding - which Hardy crashes. That's where he and Haven first meet. Apparently, he's taken with her from this time on, though this point isn't really emphasized. Haven mistakes Hardy for her boyfriend, Nck, in the wine cellar, and the two get a little friendly. They stop and part ways, with Hardy propositioning Haven, and her turning him down.
Haven marries her boyfriend, Nick, and ends up in an extremely abusive relationship. The book is written in the first person, which I'm not very used to, and not too fond of, so at times it was trying. Up to about page 73, I wasn't enjoying myself too much - that was because it was all about Haven's marriage, and her relationship with Nick. She was so blind I wanted to figuratively smack her. I felt badly for her, and extremely sympathetic, but I still got annoyed. A part of me understands, however, that that's just how real life is. If you're outside of the situation, it's so clear. Once you're in it, however, everything is different.
The rest of the book, is Haven finding herself, and her budding relationship with Hardy. He definitely redeems himself, and proves that he is a great guy. There are some twists and turns that are unexpected, but they really only help the book.
My issues with it, are the character Vanessa - Haven's boss after her divorce, and... my disconnect to the book. Obviously I liked it, and had to know what was happening... but I felt somewhat removed from the characters and the book. Not quite sure why. Maybe it was the "I" which I just couldn't really relate to.
Over all, I really enjoyed this book, and am interested in reading about the remaining Gage brothers falling in love. (Oh come on - you know it'll happen. - Both them falling in love, and two more books.)
What I really liked, also, and this isn't exactly in the book, is the ending. Lisa added information, websites, hotlines, for people to get help. There's an important psychological disorder that is discussed heavily in the book (makes you wonder a little bit why...) - and also, a website for abused women. Also, for other charities that get a cameo mention. I thought that that was very thoughtful, and important. I hope a lot of people can use that information.
HI
I have Sugar Daddy waiting in the wings for the time to read it and for it to jump to the top. I have enjoyed this author for years and she is an autobuy although I still have a couple to read. I don't like the 'I' factor in a book. I read one which I do not recall that was fabulous, but do not like especially from first person POV. Thanks for the review
Jeannie
Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!
I agree!
Jeannie,
I am NOT a big fan of first person. Sugar Daddy is written the same way. I think that's why I was so cautious to read it - first of all, the title. Ack ack ack and double ack, and then first person? Let me tell you, I was turned off. But, it is Lisa Kleypas, so I gave it a chance. It didn't make me want to cuddle up with the book and buy 10 more copies, but I was pleasantly surprised. And I felt the title was misleading (in a good way). I admit, LK got me. So, I was glad to have picked up a copy of Sugar Daddy. Maybe I've been spending too much time in court, but reading the beginning was just like sitting at work to me. However, the rest of it I really liked, and I think some important issues are addressed.